54-40 or Fight eBook

but that was only by reason of her sight of me.
As I stepped aside, the little one walked steadily
but with quickening steps to my satin-clad lady on
her couch of husks. She took up the child in her
arms.... Now, there must be some speech between
woman and child. I do not know, except that the
Baroness von Ritz spoke and that the child put out
a hand to her cheek. Then, as I stood awkward
as a clown myself and not knowing what to do, I saw
tears rain again from the eyes of Helena von Ritz,
so that I turned away, even as I saw her cheek laid
to that of the child while she clasped it tight.

“Monsieur!” I heard her say at last.

I did not answer. I was learning a bit of life
myself this night. I was years older than when
I had come through that door.

“Monsieur!” I heard her call yet again.

“Eh bien, Madam?” I replied, lightly
as I could, and so turned, giving her all possible
time. I saw her holding the Indian child out in
front of her in her strong young arms, lightly as
though the weight were nothing.

“See, then,” she said; “here is
my companion across the mountains.”

Again I began to expostulate, but now she tapped her
foot impatiently in her old way. “You have
heard me say it. Very well. Follow if you
like. Listen also if you like. In a day
or so, Doctor McLaughlin plans a party for us all
far up the Columbia to the missions at Wailatpu.
That is in the valley of the Walla Walla, they tell
me, just at this edge of the Blue Mountains, where
the wagon trains come down into this part of Oregon.”

“They may not see the wagon trains so soon,”
I ventured. “They would scarcely arrive
before October, and now it is but summer.”

“At least, these British officers would see
a part of this country, do you not comprehend?
We start within three days at least. I wish only
to say that perhaps—­”

“Ah, I will be there surely, Madam!”

“If you come independently. I have heard,
however, that one of the missionary women wishes to
go back to the States. I have thought that perhaps
it might be better did we go together. Also Natoka.
Also Chow.”

“Does Doctor McLaughlin know of your plans?”

“I am not under his orders, Monsieur. I
only thought that, since you were used to this western
travel, you could, perhaps, be of aid in getting me
proper guides and vehicles. I should rely upon
your judgment very much, Monsieur.”

“You are asking me to aid you in your own folly,”
said I discontentedly, “but I will be there;
and be sure also you can not prevent me from following—­if
you persist in this absolute folly. A woman—­to
cross the Rockies!”

I rose now, and she was gracious enough to follow
me part way toward the door. We hesitated there,
awkwardly enough. But once more our hands met
in some sort of fellowship.

“Forget!” I heard her whisper. And
I could think of no reply better than that same word.